Many people today look for alternatives to conventional medicine. However, navigating the wealth of information when it comes to supplements can be challenging. How can a person know which claims are valid and when a company is exaggerating?
What Are Supplements?
People today often use supplements to address a specific health concern or fill nutritional gaps in their diets. These products come in many forms, including vitamins and probiotics. Manufacturers sell them over the counter, but a person should not use them to treat or cure a disease. They are only intended to supplement the diet and possibly offer health benefits.
What should a person consider when making this purchase? The following factors are of importance. However, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from SupplementRelief.com if you have other questions. Staff members are always ready to help.
FDA Regulation
Quite a few people don’t understand the FDA regulates dietary supplements. Any manufacturer can sell a product labeled as a dietary supplement without getting approval from the FDA. However, when doing so, the manufacturer must ensure the supplement is safe for human use. In addition, scientific evidence is needed to back up any claims made by the manufacturer about potential health benefits.
Once the product reaches the market, the FDA can regulate it thanks to the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. If the product is deemed unsafe or the label misleads a consumer, the agency can take action against the manufacturer. Furthermore, every dietary supplement must have a “Supplement Facts” label which offers information about the ingredients, recommended dosage, and more.
Dietary Supplement Labeling
Always read the label before purchasing a dietary supplement. Review the ingredient list to learn what items are found in the supplement. This information is critical for those with allergies or dietary restrictions. The serving size provides the recommended dose and the daily value, which is expressed in a percentage, allows you to figure out how the supplement will fill gaps in your diet. Manufacturers use the daily dietary reference values provided by the FDA when determining these percentages.
Avoid purchasing supplements that make outrageous claims. Learn which manufacturers are reputable and which should be avoided. Finally, see if the supplement has undergone third-party testing or quality control assessments. However, research the testing entity to ensure it is also credible.
Seek Medical Advice
Never start taking a supplement without speaking to your doctor. They can determine which supplement, if any, is needed. In addition, they can share information about potential drug interactions. Supplement manufacturers don’t know your medical history, but the doctor does.
Possible Benefits and Risks
Supplements can be of help in filling nutritional gaps. Vegans, for instance, often need vitamin B12 supplements, while pregnant women are advised to take prenatal vitamins. Nevertheless, drug interactions are a concern. In addition, certain supplements are harmful at high doses. Your doctor can help you choose the right supplements for your specific needs.
Always use diligence when purchasing dietary supplements. Know what you are looking for in a supplement and how to choose a product from a reputable manufacturer. Read labels and speak to your doctor before making any purchase to avoid unforeseen issues. Doing so allows you to determine which supplements will benefit your health and well-being and which you need to avoid. Once you have this information, you can begin using those supplements that will provide the most benefits with very few, if any, risks.
